Homebase for a San Diego vacation: Manchester Grand Hyatt review

January 29, 2014 By

When most families dream of vacationing in San Diego, they picture themselves staying right on the beach. And this option does exist: namely in Coronado or north in Del Mar. But if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the city (and not in the car), you’ll want a downtown hotel by the harbor. I spent three nights at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and was pretty blown away by this perfect home base for a San Diego vacation. Why? Incredible location, luxurious accommodations, and family-friendly amenities, like a 4th floor pool, fire pits ready for s’mores, and full-sized sport courts.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

The Manchester Grand Hyatt stands tall right at the bay’s edge with two massive towers: Harbor Tower and Seaport Tower. Within steps are Harbor Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the trolley line to get you wherever you need to go. The rooms are large, the views are stunning, and the laid-back California atmosphere prevails even amid the luxury, making it a great pick for kids. The rooms are newly renovated, with a full renovation of the common areas and lobby scheduled for 2015.

Rooms:

Grand Hyatt

Wow. The windows truly make the rooms at the Grand Hyatt. (Check out the view in the photo above and below!) In my standard level corner room, I had no fewer than three separate floor-to-ceiling windows. I was told I had a city view (as opposed to a bay view), but I think this is a no-bad-seat-in-the-house type of situation: my room looked out over both. Beds are incredibly comfortable, families can snuggle up for a movie on a wide flat-screen TV, you get an iHome docking station, and plenty of plugs for your gadgets. In-room fridges and coffee makers make breakfast easy.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

Rooms are located on both towers, and rooms at level 30 and up are considered Grand Club rooms. They include special elevator access to the Grand Club, a concierge lounge on the 33rd floor of Harbor Tower. What you’ll find there: complimentary breakfast offerings, plus all-day snacks and drinks, including soda, bottled water, and Perrier. In the evenings, cocktails are on the honor-bar system. When I visited in the morning, I was greeted with a full array of healthy breakfast offerings, including yogurt parfaits, homemade oatmeal with all the fixings, danishes and breads, cereal, and egg sandwiches, and in the afternoon, cookies, trail mix, yogurt, and fruit were available. In the evenings, light dinner fare is set out; during our visit, we saw sliders and sushi. Grand Club guests also have access to a private concierge on the 33rd floor.

Amenities:

Grand Hyatt

Families will want to spend significant time at the 4th floor level outdoor pool and hot tub deck, overlooking the bay. The pool is not overly large, but the views and ambiance make up for this. Adjacent is the hot tub, plus a dedicated kids’ space with grass called ‘the backyard’. Toddlers (and their parents) will be happy. Dining services are available at the pool (menus listed throughout the pool deck) and the 24/hour fitness center is located there as well. Also on the pool deck: a fun fire pit perfect for visiting after dinner.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

The Hyatt sport courts sit on the roof over the parking garage, offer city views, and include tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball court, and shuffleboard space. Tennis rackets can be borrowed in the spa, and basketballs are on-hand at the courts. No need to reserve ahead of time unless you’re visiting in the peak of the summer season.

Camp Hyatt is available to kids 4-12 during the summer season and spring break, and includes activities at the pool deck and in the ‘backyard’ all day long. Sign up ahead of time, or drop in for morning or afternoon sessions. (Expect to pay $30-$40 per session.)

Kin Spa is located on the 3rd floor, and is a great place for a little R&R. I experienced the signature facial, which I chased with some time enjoying the spa-guests-only amenities. As always, my spa tip for parents is this: if you carve out time to book a treatment, plan to stay late or go early to enjoy the solitude and relax!

As with most downtown hotels, there is a parking fee at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Families can valet park for $40/night or self-park for $28/night.

What’s nearby:

Coronado island

Bikes can be rented from the Hyatt for a small charge, and ridden along the Embarcadero or on Coronado Island via ferry (just load the bikes right on). This is a great way to see the city. Want to explore the city from the water instead of by wheel? Steps behind the Grand Hyatt are docks with multiple watercraft rentals, including sailboats and personal watercraft. A tour of the bay on the Hornblower is a more economical choice for families, and will give kids a fun history lesson on the various naval ships dotting the harbor.

The Grand Hyatt is directly adjacent to the trolley line, making it easy for families to park the car and explore the city by foot. You can walk to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner, and access Seaport Village, the harbor area and marina that sits on the water. This is a great location for spotting sailboats and freight ships.

The U.S.S. Midway is a five minute walk away (or you can take a fun pedicab). In short, families can walk to just about any dining, shopping, and transportation to attractions needed from the Hyatt.

Dining:

Grand Club

Families have several choices of on-site dining (there are no fewer than nine eating or drinking establishments in the hotel) but none come cheaply. In the Harbor Tower, Sally’s offers steaks and seafood right on the water for a nice night out, and Lael’s is more family-oriented with casual fare and an incredible breakfast buffet. There’s also a sports bar, and Top of the Hyatt where you’ll want to get drinks and raise a toast to your San Diego vacation (provided you have a babysitter). Families will also find plenty of dining within walking distance of the hotel, and there’s 24/hour room service. The above photo depicts offerings at The Grand Club, the best deal in Manchester Grand Hyatt.

Room rates:

At the time of our stay room rates started at $194 with advance booking. Average rate is listed at $229. A Grand Club double room is $269. Is a Club room worth the extra $40 (extending to $70 in peak season) per night? In my opinion, yes, provided you utilize the food offerings. If a family of four eats breakfast there every morning and grabs all their snacks and bottles of water for the day before departing to sightsee, they’ll come out ahead. Plus, it’s great to know that food option is always there, day or night.

Directions:

Manchester Grand Hyatt is located at 1 Market Place, San Diego. From I-5 N, exit at Front Street (exit 17) toward the Civic Center. Continue straight to Front Street, and then turn right onto W. Market Street and into the main entrance.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Manchester Grand Hyatt as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, prayitno and drtran.

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Preparing for winter driving

December 10, 2013 By

During the holiday season, the Pit Stops family is often on the road, en route to Lake Tahoe, California or Central Oregon for a family ski vacation. If you’ll be traveling in winter weather as well, revisit our Home (Away) for the Holidays series, with tips on getting a holiday vacation rental, playing in the snow, and preparing for a winter vacation.

Our first challenge? Packing all the trappings of Christmas into our minivan. There’s really no good way to do this, especially if your kids are young enough that a visit from Santa is expected at your destination. We made it work with the  aid of our roof bag and my husband’s natural packing skills.

Which led us to our second challenge: preparing our car for winter driving conditions. Like many parts of the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year, our route from Oregon to Northern California has the potential to turn from dry roads sunny skies to snow, ice, and chain requirements. If you, too, plan to tackle winter roads this holiday season, consider doing the following:

1. Give your car a check-up. Get the oil changed, check the battery, brakes, and windshield wiper fluid levels before you depart. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and ready to go. Fill up on gas before tackling any summits or snowy highways where you may be delayed.

2. Find room for the essentials. I know your car’s already filled to the brim, but you absolutely want chains (made for your car’s model), a collapsible snow shovel, a flashlight, and winter gloves handy. I’m embarrassed to say we’ve been caught unprepared before, and there’s little worse than bumbling around in the dark without the right equipment. You’ll also want plenty of bottled water and snacks in the car in case of road closures or delays.

3. Stay updated on road conditions. Check road condition websites before departing (we’ve bookmarked CalTrans and ODOT), and receive updates on the AM dial of your radio. Be prepared for check-points for chain installation and removal.

4. Have a back-up plan. No one wants their travel day to end at a closed or hazardous highway or interstate, but it does happen. Have a few places in mind where you could spend the night if necessary. It’s always better to stop early and wait out a winter storm rather than get too far, just to turn around and head back.

Try to go with the flow, take your time, and take the opportunity to stop and play in the winter weather along the way!

Have a safe holiday, and be sure to follow our Tahoe adventures in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series.

Related articles

Berkeley CA’s Adventure Playground

September 23, 2013 By

Remember playgrounds without padded mats below every surface and safety bars at every turn? Remember building forts in backyards with scraps of plywood and old nails? So does Adventure Playground Berkeley, located at the marina in Berkeley California. This play space has been in operation for 35 years, and is refreshingly unafraid of a lawsuit. We loved every minute.

adventure playground

Adventure Playground is a park for kids that’s a work in progress. Every structure has been created by kids, for kids out of recycled materials. Kids can run loose, playing in all the forts, climbing towers, and structures, or take part in building. Just pick up some trash or loose nails in the park and turn them in to the park staff for tools. On offer: saws, hammers, nails, paint, paintbrushes, and all the scrap wood, old tires, and other cast-off building supplies you could want.

Parents have the option of dropping off kids 7 and older for up to 3 hours unsupervised in Adventure Playground for $10/hour, or individual family groups (with fewer than five kids) can visit with parental supervision for free. (Families or playgroups with five kids or more are considered a group and need a reservation.)

adventure playground

We spent two hours in the park, and could have used more time. The kids immediately set to work building a ladder onto a pre-existing fort, then added a second-floor platform with the aid of a park staff member. (We were told two-story structures couldn’t be built without a railing built first, but this was the only ‘rule’ we heard all afternoon.) The kids then explored the rest of the area, playing on rope climbing nets, trying out the park zip line, and swinging from rope ladders and bars. In addition to all the building going on (construction is on-going), kids can grab a paintbrush and paint anything they like, or they can poke around in the shaded garden area with water fountains, a strawberry patch, and benches.

adventure playground

Tip: Wear closed-toed shoes in the park (parents too). There are a lot of loose nails on the ground, plus boards with splinters. Kids under age seven are welcome with parents, but be advised: kids under three may get hurt by the debris on the ground. The park is definitely geared toward the school-aged set.

There are no restrooms in the park proper, but a city park exists adjacent by the marina with public bathrooms and picnic grounds. Free parking.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Two minutes from I-80.

Admission:

Free for families. Groups are $73/2 hours.

Hours of operation:

Daily during summer; weekends 10 am – 5 pm weekends during the school calendar year.

Directions:

From I-80, take the University Ave exit in Berkeley. Follow University to the marina.

Manzanar National Historic Site

December 20, 2012 By

If you’re driving along US Highway 395 through California, take an hour or so to stop at the Manzanar National Historic Site, the site of a World War II Japanese-American Internment Camp, outside of Bishop, CA. Built only in 2004, this National Park Service site is wonderfully well run and free for visitors.

Manzanar internment camp

When you enter the site, you’ll be struck by the stunning high desert views and stark isolation, and the first thing you’ll see is the ominous guard tower. Visitors have the option of a three mile driving tour of the barrack areas, or a stop at the interpretive center. I recommend starting at the latter, especially with kids, as this center does a great job of explaining Japanese internment during World War II. Start with the 22 minute film, then wander the auditorium (once a dance hall for the interred), looking at all the fantastic exhibits. Kids are immediately drawn to the display of what a barrack looked like inside, complete with kids’ toys and clothing, and the descriptions of school in the camp (you’ll even find a year book for middle schoolers).

manzanar

The National Park rangers on-site are friendly and very knowledgable, and there’s a Junior Ranger option for kids. We walked part of the driving tour afterward, to experience a bit of the scenery (the Sierras are stunning) and camp-life of the Japanese-Americans at this time in history.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Hwy 395.

Hours of operation:

The outdoor sites are open every day, dawn to dusk. The interpretive center is open 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in the summer season, and 9 am to 4:30 pm in winter (November 1-March 31). Closed Christmas Day.

Admission price:

Free

Dining options:

None. And most times of year, it’s either too hot, too windy, or too cold to picnic here. There are nice bathrooms and water fountains for drinking and filling up water bottles.

Directions:

Manzanar is located nine miles north of Lone Pine CA (and just south of Bishop, CA), right off Hwy 395.

Best Beach Towns: Monterey CA

July 15, 2012 By

There are so many things to do in Monterey, CA with kids, it’s hard to know where to begin. Families can enjoy beaches, biking, nature walks, shopping, world-class educational attractions, nature, and fine (or fun) dining, all in a few square miles of stunning coastline. I can’t guarantee you won’t need a sweater at times (average summer temperatures are in the 60s), but the typical California coastline fog can be just as pretty as the sunshine.

monterey bike path

Monterey is within a day’s drive of anywhere in California, but you’ll want to stay for at least a weekend, and as much as a week if you’re planning a day trip to the Salinas Valley or explore Big Sur beaches. A popular tourist destination, Monterey boasts over 250 lodging options, but you’ll still want to get reservations far in advance for the summer months.

Monterey CA seals

Where to play:

Families will want to start on famed Cannery Row to take in the general atmosphere, and to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. We recommend touring the former via bike, which can be rented downtown at Adventures by the Sea. Once on wheels, families can connect with the town’s easy-accessable bike paths, and avoid the crushing crowds on the street. Even young kids can cover more miles this way on the flat, paved trails, giving families a great overview of the area. While biking, be sure to stop at Lover’s Point to play on the protected beaches perfect for toddlers and babies, climb a tree or two overlooking the Pacific, and explore the lengths of a pier or two. (Tip: Our favorite is the Coast Guard Pier south of Cannery Row, where the seals congregate.)

Point Lobos State Park

Once kids have experienced the town proper, be sure to reserve time to visit Monterey Bay’s best hikes. Our pick: Point Lobos State Reserve. Comprised of miles of hiking trails (most in a loop or connecting from trailhead to trailhead) overlooking the bluffs and beaches of this particularly wild and scenic section of the Pacific, Point Lobos gives kids plenty of opportunity to view wildlife. While we visited, the harbor seals were ‘pupping’, so we could check out the babies with their mothers, and the tide pools offered glimpses into life in the shallower waters.

Older kids will appreciate 17 Mile Drive, just outside of Monterey on Highway 1, but little ones might get restless. Better to take them to the Dennis the Menace Playground, located in Monterey (any local can give you directions) where they’ll play for hours on the inventive play structures. Everyone can enjoy the Historic Walking Tour, which starts at the Custom House by the historic pier (see link below) and weaves in a self-guided tour across the city.

adventures by the sea

Where to eat:

The Historic Fisherman’s Wharf pier offers a dozen or more clam chowder vendors (no exaggeration…the samples handed out alone could feed a family), traditional fish and chips, and the like. On Cannery Row, families will find the larger chain restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, but beware: these get crowded! For a quieter option just a few blocks off the main drag, consider Peter B’s Brew Pub, with a cozy outdoor fire pit overlooking the harbor and a nice menu of fresh California cuisine that’s still kid-friendly.

Where to stay:

We loved our stay at the Portola Hotel and Spa, located just off the Historic Fisherman’s Wharf Pier. The Portola offers families several dining options, a heated outdoor pool, spacious rooms, and warm chocolate chip cookies upon arrival. Kids will enjoy their fun Portola Pirate Program, which leads them on a scavenger hunt of the hotel when they check in.

Other options range from the super spendy in Carmel and Pebble Beach to the bare bones at one of the many state parks and beaches in Los Padres National Forest. Every price range is represented, making Monterey a good fit for anyone.

Hearst Castle State Park

July 12, 2012 By

Families traveling on a California Highway 1 road trip will want to stop at Hearst Castle State Park, especially if their car-load comprises of school-aged kids, tween, and teens. Visible (and impressive!) even from the highway, Hearst Castle is a half-day stop right outside San Simeon, CA. From the visitor’s center located near the coastline, guests can choose from several tour options before taking a bus up the winding hillside to the estate (approximately 15 minutes). The rangers suggest families start with the Grand Rooms Tour, which takes you through just that…the main rooms of the main house.

hearst castle

This tour takes 45 minutes from the time you depart the bus, and kept everyone from the seven-year-old to the adults entertained. (Children younger than five might be bored, but the tour is still do-able, because of its short length.) Our guide did a good job of giving us details on how William Randolph Hearst entertained his guests in these visually opulant rooms, and the kids enjoyed eying all the fancy tapastries, silver, and oranate decor. I enjoyed learning which of the articifacts had actually been procured from Europe and Asia, and which had been made on-site (both equally amazing). We learned how long it took to build the estate (over 15 years!) and quite a bit about the remarkable architect, Julia Morgan. After the tour, families are set loose to explore the rest of the grounds (outside) at their leisure. We took another hour or so to explore (you definitely want to check out the Neptune Pool and views from the guest houses!). I was also anxious to see the indoor pool, and thought I had lost my opportunity until we were funneled into it en route to the departure buses (so don’t worry, you won’t miss it).

neptune pool hearst castle

The Hearst Castle staff recommends getting to the visitor’s center 20 minutes before your tour time to catch the bus, and we recommend getting there an hour before that, in order to view the 45 minute IMAX-style movie prior to seeing the estate. It’s very well done, and gives kids a much better sense of who the Hearsts were before they see the rest. (I was in need of the refresher myself.) For our 1 pm tour, we arrived at 11:30, and had just enough time to see the movie and line up for the bus before 1 pm.

Note: You can’t bring food or drinks with you to the estate grounds (only bottled water), so leave the picnic in the car, and be sure to give everyone snacks beforehand. It does get hot on the hill, so bring water!

hearst castle bus

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 1.

Admission price:

The Grand Rooms Tour is $25 a ticket for adults and $12 for children (under five are free). Most of the additional tours are the same price, with the exception of the Evening Tour, which is pricier. The ticket price includes the bus ride, movie, and exhibits at the visitor center. Parking is free. Purchase Hearst Castle tickets ahead of time during busy seasons!

Hours of operation:

The visitor center is open whenever tours are offered. (Most days, tours begin at 9 am.) See tour schedule for exact times.

Food services:

The visitor’s center offers a museum cafe next to the gift shop, but it was such nice weather, we opted to picnic at one of the tables dotting the parking area. (This was more appealing than it sounds…the parking lot overlooks the ocean.)

Directions:

Signage from Highway 1 in San Simeon takes visitors right to the park, or click for detailed directions to Hearst Castle.

Exploratorium Museum of Science

July 5, 2012 By

A short MUNI bus ride from just about all points in the city, the Exploratorium is a wonderful activity for kids in San Francisco. Located conveniently at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a hands-on science mecca for preschoolers through teens.

Exploratorium san francisco

We love how this cavernous building is set up to encourage kids (and their parents) to really let loose: explore its exhibits in any order, for any length of time. It’s set up in sections by field of science (life science on the second floor loft, magnetics and engineering next to it, cognitive science and ‘thinking and feeling’ at the back, etc) but each exhibit stands alone. More than simply hands-on, almost all the exhibits challenge families to work with a partner or in teams, conducting experiments or field testing (aka challenging) their hypothesis.We especially loved the ‘sound and hearing’ section, where we took a auditory journey with a blind man through a BART station.

We spent three hours in the Exploratorium, which I thought would be enough, but I had to drag everyone out (including my husband) in order to keep our evening plans. Younger kids may need less time (the scope of the museum may feel daunting to some), but if you have school-aged kids, plan to be here a long while! The museum is very well contained (really just one huge room), so we felt comfortable letting the older kids roam at will.

Tip: One of the museum’s most popular exhibits, the Tactile Dome is experienced by scheduled appointment (and separate ticket) only. To grab a time slot (set throughout the day), plan to be at the museum in the morning, or order tickets online in advance (the ticket price is slightly more than regular admission, but includes admission to the rest of the museum as well). We visited in the afternoon, and by the time we arrived at 1 pm, the earliest Tactile Dome time available was 6:30…too late for our schedule.

Of note: In case you own an older guide book, the Exploratorium is now located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero. While this location is certainly be more convenient for tourists visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf area, I encourage visitors to still take the time to see the lovely Presidio area of San Francisco.

palace of fine arts

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Located (currently) in the Presidio, just moments from the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway 101.

Admission prices:

Adults are $15, youth (13-17) are $12, and children (4-12) are $10. As with most San Francisco attractions, the best deal for visiting the Exploratorium is to use a CityPASS or Go San Francisco Card card. Free admission the first Wednesday of each month!

Hours of operation:

10 am to 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed most Mondays)

Dining options:

A large, open cafe with snacks, drinks, and light meals is located on the main floor and is lit by nice skylights and provides seating where parents can see most of the action. Otherwise, picnics can be taken outside on the Palace of Fine Arts grounds or nearby duck pond.

Directions:

The Exploratorium is located at 3601 Lyon Street in the Presidio. It will soon move to Pier 15. For now, from Park Presidio, follow the signs for the Highway 101 Detour. Then turn right on Geary Boulevard, left on Van Ness Boulevard, left on Lombard Street, and right on Lyon Street.

California Academy of Sciences

July 2, 2012 By

The California Academy of Sciences is by far one of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco. Ideal for school-aged kids but also entertaining for preschoolers and toddlers, the California Academy of Sciences is a trifecta of scientific fun, featuring a planetarium, aquarium, and life science museum all under one (living) roof, which is an exhibit of its own.

california academy of sciences

Families will want to devote at least a half-day at the academy: we stayed a full morning, and still never got to the planetarium (next visit!). Be sure to get a schedule of the day’s events when you enter. On the day of our visit, we were able to catch the African penguin feeding and the tropical fish feeding. Both activities included a talk from a marine biologist and lasted about 15 minutes. The docents at the door of the academy are very helpful in alerting families of the daily activities; we were glad to have them!

california academy of sciences

The academy is set up with two large domes (you’ll spot these from outside). One houses the planetarium, and the other houses the rain forest canopy, a tour along elevated walkways past plants, trees, and many animals (including lots of butterflies and birds). The rain forest canopy will end at the top, where guests can take an elevator down to the ground and basement floor aquarium. (I suppose you could do the various sections of the academy in any order you like, but it flows very well to see the rain forest followed by the aquarium, both in a logistical sense and an educational sense…the exhibits build upon one another.) I think the ‘flooded rain forest floor’ section of the aquarium was my seven-year-old’s favorite spot: he lingered at the rain forest snake section, where he could experience the (simulated) sensation of having his arm constricted by an anaconda.

living roof

Tip: it’s warm in the rain forest dome; you’ll want to shed sweaters or coats, so be sure to wear layers!

After experiencing the rain forest dome, we took the elevator to the top floor of the academy, which is actually the roof. We looked out over the ‘living roof’ exhibit, where acres of rooftop has been seeded and serves as an natural habitat to many animals and birds. It’s lovely on a nice day!

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Located in Golden Gate Park, an easy drive past the bridge from Highway 101.

Admission prices:

General admission the the California Academy of Sciences is not cheap at $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for youth ages 12-17, and $19.95 for children 4-11. A much more economical option is to purchase your tickets through a San Francisco CityPASS or Go San Francisco Card.

Hours of operation:

Mon-Sat 9:30 am to 5 pm. Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Dining options:

There is a cafe on-site, with both indoor and outdoor seating (with play areas in the outdoor space). Instead of trying either option, however, we had brought a picnic lunch, which we enjoyed in the Music Concourse directly outside (while listenening to a free middle school outdoor concert!). On warm-weather days, this is the way to go. (Food trucks also assemble between the Music Concourse and the nearby Japanese Tea Garden.)

Directions:

The academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. It’s easily accessible via MUNI bus lines. If you drive, street parking is available, or better yet, try the parking garage near the De Young museum.

Note: California Academy os Sciences has a Kidscore of 92. Learn more about Kidscore.

Three Highway 1 beach pit stops from Monterey to San Simeon, CA

June 28, 2012 By

Some of the most beautiful coastline in the world exists on California’s Highway 1 between Monterey, CA and San Simeon, CA. Directly after Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Monterey (definitely stop there before beginning your day), the way is windy and slow, but never fear: the California Highway 1 road trip is made to be savored with frequent pit stops, so even young passengers can handle the hours of car time. After making the drive with our three school-aged kids (ages 7, 10, and 12), I’ve compiled our favorite three beach pit stops on Highway 1.

pfeiffer beach

Pfeiffer Beach:

Shhh. This first beach, run by the national forest system, is a secret. Directly after the tiny town of Big Sur, CA, families have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Ok, Pfeiffer may not quite be a secret, but it’s certainly not well known…or well advertised from the road or online. Here’s how you find it: right after Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll see a yellow ‘No RVs’ road sign on the right-hand side, next to a row of mailboxes. Turn right here onto a narrow, one-lane road. Almost immediately, you’ll see a sign that reads, ‘Pfeiffer Beach, 2 miles’. Continue two miles (you may have to stop occassionally to allow opposite traffic through) to a national forest booth, where you’ll pay a $5 per car fee. Parking is adjacent.

pfeiffer beach caves

Pfeiffer Beach is nestled between huge crags of cliffside past a lush grove of Cypress trees, and features several rock arches amid the crashing surf, a gentle stream through the sand into the water, and most interestingly, big patches of the world’s only (so they say) purple sand. The famed Pfeiffer Beach purple sand is made from erosion from the nearby cliffsides, and is quite cool to see. Also fun is the stream and climbing on the large rocks on the beach. Reserve at least an hour here!

purple sand at pfeiffer beach

Of important note: Very strong undertows exist at Pfieffer. The water is quite cold, so your kids probably won’t be tempted to swim, but even wading can be dangerous. It’s best to enjoy the beach but avoid swimming. If you’re still dubious, read the memorial displayed at the parking lot, and take heed to be safe!

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park:

Not to be confused with Pfieffer Beach, JPB State Park is located further south, at 47555 Highway 1. The state park offers a lovely cliffside trail from the parking lot through a tunnel under the highway to the site of Julia Pfeiffer Burn’s dear friend Helen Hooper Brown’s beachside home (which she later dedicated to Pfeiffer). From the terrace (all that remains of the home), families are rewarded with beautiful views of the beach below, including a waterfall to the sand. Though there’s no beach access here, a stop is definitely warranted. A side trail leads to a working water wheel, and kids enjoy going over the bridge to the Brown terrace. You probably won’t need more than 1/2 an hour here unless you also decide to picnic.

JPB state park waterfall

Elephant Seal Rookery:

After JPB State Park, the highway becomes even windier, but just when kids can’t stand it anymore, the way straightens out before San Simeon, CA. Right before the town proper is the Elephant Seal Rookery. Signs are well posted along Highway 1, but trust me, you couldn’t miss it if you tried: even from the car, kids can spot the hundreds upon hundreds of elephant seals on the sandy beach. There’s a large parking area and a path that spans the beach, but visitors cannot step onto the sand…this is the seals’ territory! Posted signs explain the rookery (seal nursery), and let visitors know what the seals are up to in various seasons. For instance, when we visited in May, the babies were juveniles, whereas March visitors would have seen newborns. While still at home, check out what’s happening via the elephant rookery live cam!

san simeon tide pools

Note: there are no bathrooms at the rookery! Luckily, San Simeon is only a few miles away.

Have you found a great Highway 1 stop between Monterey and San Simeon? Please share in the comments!

San Francisco Pier 39 attractions for kids

June 21, 2012 By

Families touring San Francisco could easily dedicate a full day to the busy, touristy region of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. And while not to replace visiting other parts of the city, a day here is well spent. We definitely suggest beginning your day with a family tour of Alcatraz Island, but this still leaves you with an afternoon and evening to fill at the wharf. Here’s our picks for how to spend a day at Fisherman’s Wharf with kids:

pier 39

Pier 39 and Aquarium of the Bay:

Pier 39 is bright, busy, and filled with fun (kids especially love the many street performers), and families could certainly wile away an afternoon browsing the shops and riding the carousel. If you have young children (whose attention span may not warrant to trip to a larger aquarium) and/or have San Francisco CityPASS booklets, make a stop at the Aquarium of the Bay. Not as large or professionally undertaken as the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park (if you plan to go there, skip this one), the Aquarium of the Bay is still a nicely done exhibit for kids. It can be toured in an hour, and features fun hands-on touching pools for young kids and a pretty darn cool shark tunnel. Housed primarily under the bay, museum staff ushers families into elevators for each section of the aquarium. This means you need to be sure to hit bathroom stops when you see them!

shark tunnel aquarium of the bay

General admission is $16 for adults and $10 for kids 3-12, and is only worth the ticket price if you don’t have plans to visit any larger aquariums. Admission is included in CityPASS and Go San Francisco Card offering by far the best deal. (Warning: there is a gift shop at the end, and it’s full of enticing plush marine animals.) Afterward, stroll to the end of the pier to check out the seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.

The Embarcadero and National Maritime Park:

The Embarcadero runs many blocks from the Alcatraz cruise dock past Pier 39. On one side will be the new location of the Exploratorium, one of the best hands-on museums for kids in the country (it’s currently located in the Presidio). The Exploratorium is an CityPASS option, and will easily engage kids for hours. Kids will want to stop en route to watch the sourdough bread being made at San Francisco’s famed Boudin Factory, and shop for trinkets along the street. Further down, toward Ghiradelli Square, it’s fun to stop at the fish markets and see (and smell!) the fresh seafood offerings.

aquarium of the bay

The San Francisco National Maritime Park makes for a great place to stop just as legs start to get tired, and kids can walk the pier to see the USS Pampanito submarine and other historic vessels.It’s located at Pier 45, and the visitor’s center is open 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. What’s nice is that families can opt to buy tour tickets for the Pampanito, or just view the vessels from the dock.

ghiradelli square san francisco

Ghiradelli Square:

Directly above the Maritime Park is Ghirdelli Square, where families can (must?) stop for ice cream at the famed chocolatier. (At the information booth in the square, ask for coupons if you plan to purchase sundaes.) We opted for sundaes for lunch (such a healthy choice…not!) but Ghiradelli makes for a great evening choice, too.

Between the Maritime Park and Ghiradelli Square, you’ll see the San Francisco Cable Car turnaround. This is a great place to hop on-board and take a ride, though you’ll likely wait in line. (Elsewhere in San Francisco, particularly along California Street), it’s easily to jump on and jump off cable cars.